Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even baking. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Proper preparation helps achieve perfectly baked cookies.
Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer for the best results. This step creates a smooth, creamy texture for the cookies.
Mix in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Then, add vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. This step helps create a rich and well-balanced cookie dough.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Slowly add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. This ensures an even texture without overmixing.
Gently stir in the chopped pistachios using a silicone spatula. If using chocolate chips, fold them in at this stage. This adds crunch and extra flavor to your cookies.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking. It also enhances the flavors and improves texture.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop evenly-sized dough balls onto the baking sheets. Leave enough space between them for spreading. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack and let them cool completely. This prevents them from breaking and allows flavors to set. Enjoy your freshly baked pistachio cookies with a glass of milk!